Deuteronomy 18:18-19
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This promise isn't just about a prophet, but about God intimately placing His very words into this future messenger's mouth. It highlights that this prophet's authority comes directly from God, not from his own wisdom, and he will speak with the absolute certainty of divine command.
After Moses reassures the Israelites about avoiding pagan divination practices, he reveals that God will provide a different way for them to hear His will. He explains that God will raise up a prophet from among their own people, like Moses himself, who will speak God's very words directly to them. This promise sets the stage for future divine communication and is a crucial assurance that God will continue to guide His people, not through forbidden means, but through chosen messengers.
In a world buzzing with competing messages, how do we know which voice to trust? This verse offers a divine assurance.
The Israelites, fresh from the awe-inspiring, terrifying experience at Mount Sinai, were understandably anxious about how they would continue to hear from God. They desired a less fearsome way to receive His communication than direct, thunderous pronouncements.
God's response in Deuteronomy 18:18 isn't just a suggestion; it's a promise of a specific way He would speak: through a prophet. This wasn't about consulting mediums or seeking out hidden knowledge. It was about listening to a divinely appointed messenger who would carry God's very words.
God's Chosen Channel
Moses was a towering figure. What does it mean that this future prophet would be 'like you'?
The phrase 'like you' is incredibly significant. Moses wasn't just any leader; he was the mediator of the covenant, the one through whom God gave the Law. The promise of a prophet 'like unto' Moses carried immense weight.
A Familiar, Yet Superior, Voice
Understand the original words
nabi' · Hebrew Noun
An inspired spokesperson for God who receives direct revelation and communicates it to the people, acting as a mediator of God's will.
shama' · Hebrew Verb
To pay attention with the intent to obey; in a biblical context, it implies hearing God’s voice and responding with submission and action.
shem · Hebrew Noun
The revealed authority or character of God; to speak in His name is to claim divine authorization and accuracy in delivering His message.
darash · Hebrew Verb
To hold someone accountable or to demand an accounting for an action; in this context, it signifies divine judgment or legal reckoning for disobedience.
This passage echoes the promise that God would put His words in the prophet's mouth, highlighting how Jesus, the promised Prophet, became flesh and 'dwelt among us,' embodying God's message and truth.
Acts 3:22Peter explicitly quotes Deuteronomy 18:18, applying it directly to Jesus Christ, thus demonstrating the early church's understanding of this prophecy's fulfillment.
Hebrews 1:1-2This passage draws a parallel between God speaking through prophets in the past and His ultimate communication through His Son, Jesus, emphasizing Jesus' role as the final and most complete divine messenger.
John 5:45-46Jesus references Moses' writings, including this prophecy, to confront the religious leaders, suggesting that their rejection of Him was a rejection of Moses' own testimony and God's promised Prophet.
Matthew 11:13Jesus states that 'the Law and the Prophets prophesied until John,' indicating that John the Baptist and those before him were part of a prophetic line leading up to a greater revelation, a concept tied to this promise of a unique Prophet.
gillDeuteronomy 18:18: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."
I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto thee,.... So that it seems this promise or prophecy was first made at Mount Sinai, but now renewed and repeated, and which is nowhere else recorded; see Deuteronomy 18:15 when they were not only made easy for the present by appointing Moses t…
pooleDeuteronomy 18:18: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."
Will put my words in his mouth; will instruct him what to say, reveal myself and my will to him. He shall speak unto them all that I shall command him; he will faithfully execute the office and trust I commit him.
This promise isn't just about a prophet, but about God intimately placing His very words into this future messenger's mouth. It highlights that this prophet's authority comes directly from God, not from his own wisdom, and he will speak with the absolute certainty of divine command.
After Moses reassures the Israelites about avoiding pagan divination practices, he reveals that God will provide a different way for them to hear His will. He explains that God will raise up a prophet from among their own people, like Moses himself, who will speak God's very words directly to them. This promise sets the stage for future divine communication and is a crucial assurance that God will continue to guide His people, not through forbidden means, but through chosen messengers.
After Moses reassures the Israelites about avoiding pagan divination practices, he reveals that God will provide a different way for them to hear His will. He explains that God will raise up a prophet from among their own people, like Moses himself, who will speak God's very words directly to them. This promise sets the stage for future divine communication and is a crucial assurance that God will continue to guide His people, not through forbidden means, but through chosen messengers.
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"I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I mysel…" — This promise isn't just about a prophet, but about God intimately placing His very words into this future messenger's mouth. It highlights that this prophet's authority comes directly from God, n…
